Gabrielle Solly Illustration

I’m an illustrator and modern calligrapher creating original greeting cards, stationery, art and commissioned pieces. I was taught by Quentin Blake who encouraged my loose, flowing style.

I produce all my work by hand using traditional methods; dip pens, inks, watercolour paints, crayons and beautiful art papers from the UK and Italy. I use gold and silver metallic paints, silver leaf and pure gold leaf in some of my pieces. I take time to create each piece, working slowly and carefully allowing the art to develop naturally.

I believe that small is beautiful. Small acts of kindness, small tokens of love, small gestures of appreciation and gratitude. My work is about celebrating love, friendship, special occasions and gentle thoughts.

I frame the art in vintage, antique and contemporary frames. I leave the dings and dents plus old tape, original glass, backing boards, clips and hooks to retain the history of each piece. If anything needs replacing, I use our local art shop/framers. Artwork is mounted on an acid-free board and pieces which have a deckled edge are mounted on matching paper with British-made Conservation ATG tape.



I work in a small studio overlooking the beautiful North Downs in Kent. The print studio and paper merchants are both family-run businesses also based in Kent. The print presses are carbon neutral in a solar-powered warehouse and the card stock comes from an FSC-certified supplier. Studio waste is recycled, composted or incinerated at a nearby steam power station which generates electricity for the local area. All my packaging is recycled, compostable and made using ethical practises from suppliers in the UK.

Proudly made in Kent.